" Five Down and a Long Way to Go "

[Careful when reading this chapter gets kind of gory toward the end.]

"Maybe we should've listened to Kana," Jason was rubbing his temples. He and the others were sitting at a large round table. In the background Gekomon were singing for the group [A/N: if anyone can call that singing.] Lucas looked to Jason pushing his plate away. Jason nodded looking around to the Digimon. They were giving him the same disappointing look as Lucas. Jason stood looking to Kana now. "I think its about time we get going," she nodded to his comment.

"Wait, you're leaving already?" An elderly Gekomon stepped up.

"I'm sorry sir," Jason apologized. "But we can't stay around much longer." At this point everyone was on their feet and saying goodbye. "There are others like us that we need to find. They're all alone out there." He turned walking toward the exit. "We appreciate everything you've done for us and promise to free the digital world from evil rule." He turned motioning for the others to take off. "On behalf of myself and my friends, thank you all very much." Jason turned running to catch up with his friends.

The six of them walked at a fast pace until they had put a few miles between them and the village. Once they'd finally stopped Jason turned looking at the distance they'd covered in short time.

"I apologize," he said turning slowly to meet the less than happy gazes. "I should have listened."

"Jason," Kana sat resting on a hill. "I think I speak for all of us when I say, Never do that again."

"Look I just thought we all could use a place to rest for the night," Jason replied.

"But we brought sleeping bags," Lucas stood. Jason had no response. He only turned fixing his pack. "Jason," Lucas walked up to him, "you we're right about one thing though." He held up his D3 showing two blips on the screen. [from here on I use D3 rather than Digi-vice.] Lucas looked at the D3 then pointed out towards the north. "Whoever they are they aren't all that far off," he clicked the buttons. "Maybe ten miles to the north."

"Then lets go," Jason turned to North. "They must be in that forest there."

Kana stood slowly looking to Gatomon then back to the boys, "If so be ready for anything in there." She picked up her pack and turned walking to the forest. Lucas shared a glance with Jason then they both watched Kana.

"She giving you the cold shoulder or what?"

Jason only hit Lucas in the back of his head taking off after Kana. The six of them traveled to the forests edge. Looking around carefully, Kana was the first to enter followed by Jason and Lucas. Slowed by the thick brush, it took them an hour just to travel three miles through the woods. By the second hour they reached a clearing with a temple in the center.

"Whoa," Jason commented seeing the large monument.

"WOW," Lucas stepped out staring wide eyed at the temple. "This is in credible." He walked slowly up to the structure. "It looks like almost Mayan."

"Boys will be boys," Jason stated walking up to the entryway. "Hello. Is anyone in there?"

"Jason what are you doing," Kana asked looking around the area. "Lucas said that the others were still a distance away."

"Maybe so," he pulled out his D3. "But this says that something is in here." He looked at the D3 stepping into the temple. "Stay here and watch over the archeologist."

"What do I look like a babysitter," she stated angrily.

"Actually you look like a beautiful caring person," Jason replied looking over his shoulder to her. His attempt at changing her mood failed, "who knows I'm only trying to keep you two out of trouble."

"You better come back in one piece," she called as he faded into the darkness. She looked to Lucas who was busy checking one of his books to try and decipher the markings on the wall. She pulled out her D3 looking at the blips on the screen. "Lucas come on. While Jason explores the inside we're going to find these two." She grabbed him by his arm pulling him to his feet.

"Where are we going?"

"To find the children you're D3 showed you. Now which way do we go?" She looked down at her D3.

"This way," Lucas turned running around the side of the structure. Followed by their digimon they followed the edge of the forest. The four of them were lead to a large lake with an island in the middle. "The D3 says they're on the island. But how do we reach it?"

"There I can see a shall section of the water." Kana and Gatomon ran over to the submerged land bridge. Lucas smirked looking to Kaleidomon. The winged digimon picked Lucas off the ground. He then carried the boy toward the island. "I'll see you there Kana," Lucas smiled as he flew off. Reaching the island Lucas spotted the two children. "Hey there. Are you two alright? Kaleidomon take us down."

Landing near the two Lucas smiled, "We've been looking for you."

"Who's we," the first child wore a tattered shirt and short. His voice hinted of Spanish origin. He held a frightened girl in his arms.

"There's three of us actually," he smiled stepping towards them. "I'm Lucas, and Kana should be here soon."

"Who are you people," Lucas stepped back at the anger in the kid's words.

"I don't know why you're so angry, but I only want to be your friend," Lucas smiled slightly. "Why don't you come with me? Kana and Jason are nice people."

"Why should we believe you," his eyes filled with fury. "When we were attacked by that other child. Look at what that kid did to May's digimon." It was then Lucas noticed only one digimon near the two. A big digimon similar to a bull in build; its horn tips however looked like the end of a gun barrel, its eyes targeted on Lucas. Lucas looked around for another Digimon but saw none. Then a round object in the girls arms caught his attention. A large colorful egg.

"He did that," Lucas stepped back in shock.

"That loco kid attacked and turned Kuromon into a digiegg."

"How," Lucas was almost unable to speak. "How could he do that? How could Tyler do such a horrible thing?"

"No chico, her name was Catalina," he stood slowly. "And mine is Jose."

"So there are more of them," all turned as Kana arrived out of breath.

"Who is this senorita," Jose smiled seeing Kana come up, shaking water from her sneakers.

"I'm sure Lucas already took care of introductions," she smiled patting Lucas on the head. "I'm Kana and this is Gatomon," she motioned to her digimon.

"I am Jose and this is Toromon," he said in a proud tone. "And this little senorita is May." Jose had dark hair and deep brown eyes, around 14 yrs old, standing about 5'. May was around 12 yrs old, 4'2" wearing a striped shirt and skirt.

"It's nice to meet you both," Kana bowed slightly. "So Lucas are these two coming with us?"

"Sure are mi dulce uno," Jose chimed in before Lucas could report. "Where shall we be going senorita?"

"We're going to meet up with a friend," Kana stepped back behind Lucas.

"You just lead the way," Jose smiled. Setting May on Toromon Jose followed behind Kana who chose to walk a little faster than she normally would. "Senorita you sure are full of energy." Kana gave no response and continued walking. Following the path back to the temple.

"So senorita your friend is around here," Jose asked sliding May off of Toromon. "Is an interesting place."

"Hey Luke, Kana," the two turned looking toward the doorway of the temple. "I found some interesting items." Jason came out of the shadows carrying for objects. Without noticing the new couple in the group, he walked straight to Kana and Lucas. "A book," he handed that to Lucas. "A staff," he gave this one to Kana. "And finally a pair of ugly old bracelets. I think I'll put these away until later." Removing his bag he turned to put away the bracelets, but stopped seeing the new addition to the team. "Um."

"Jason these are more of the artifacts," Kana asked grabbing hold of his arm. Both Jason and Jose were startled by her actions. "Just go along with it," she whispered to Jason.

"Uh yea," he said looking to Jose and May, "I believe they are." He smiled pulling away from Kana. He walked slowly over to the two. "Hello there, little missy would you like to hold onto these," he held out the bracelets. May looked at the hoop bracelets accepting the offer. "Why don't you try them on?" He smiled kindly to the young girl. She nodded slipping on one then the other. She then placed her hands on the egg in her lap, and it suddenly started to glow. The egg cracked to the surprise of all, and out came a small digimon shaped like a winged eel. Jason held up his D3. "That there is Ardremon, and I'll bet she's happy to se you again." Jason turned walking over to his pack.

May stood holding Ardremon close, "Gracias senor. Gracias." Jason smiled to her as he pulled out his sleeping bag.

"I see you two are family," Jason said spreading out his sleeping bag. "That means you two will be sharing by bag and blanket tonight." He turned pulling the blanket out of his duffle bag.

Jose patted May on the head stepping toward Jason. "How did you do that?"

"I didn't," Jason smirked motioning to May. "Those bracelets are the Links of Lineage. The artifacts of Friendship."

"Then those are magic bands," Jose asked looking to his sister.

"My guess is those belong to her," Jason handed Jose the blanket. "She is the digidestined of friendship." He turned walking to the walls of the temple. "Now get some sleep. I'm taking the first watch."

Kana walked up to Jason, "Are you sure you should?"

"I'll be fine." He leaned over toward her whispering, "and I wont tell lover boy." He motioned to Jose as he laid his sister on the open sleeping bag. Lucas sat on his own sleeping bag, looking through the book he'd been given. Each digimon rested where their partners would sleep. "Go get some sleep Kana," Jason kissed her on the cheek.

"That one was free," she whispered walking over to her sleeping bag.

"Lucas," Jason leaned bag against the wall, "think you can handle second watch?" Lucas stood nodding, book tight in hand. Daumon walked over to Jason kneeling beside him. The two waited until it seemed everyone had fallen asleep before talking.

"So you felt it too," Jason asked Daumon.

"Of course," he replied.

"Then you're thinking what I'm thinking."

"Yep. But which one do you think it is."

"I don't know. But I don't think its any of these." Jason pointed to each item as he mentioned them," the Reliable Staff."

"Nope."

"The Tome of Wisdom."

"Nuh uh."

"Thanks for being so sincere," Jason smirked looking to Daumon who smirked back at him.

"Maybe."

"Nope," Jason shook his head. "I'm far from being a sincere person."

"Except around..."

"Don't even say it," Jason shifted making himself a bit uncomfortable on the wall. He thought this would more than likely keep him awake.

"By the way," Daumon looked up at Jason. "Didn't the carvings mention others?"

"Yea," He owed his head. "We have a large task at hand."

Kana woke the others in the morning, letting Lucas wake Jose and May. Jason stood slowly, gathering his things. He turned to see Jose folding the blanket into the sleeping bag.

"Jose I'll take that," Jason offered.

"It's alright chico," he tied up the bag tossing it over his shoulder. "I can handle this much."

"So what's for breakfast," Lucas asked putting his things aside. Jason pulled out a sandwich for each of them, Digimon included. "It's better than nothing," he commented peeling the foil off. After they finished eating, the newly improved group returned to the lake for a drink.

Daumon stood quickly jumping to Jason's side. The two of them shared a look. The dual set of eyes scanned the area around the lake. They could feel the presence of others but couldn't tell were they were.

"Kana, Lucas," Jason called out. "Get away from those rock."

"Jose, May," Daumon called out in unison with Jason, "step away from the lake."

Just then the waters smooth surface broke as MegaSeadramon rose snarling at them. The rocks were shattered by Berserkmon. [couldn't find Ogremon's digivolved form. Berserkmon is a large gray Ogremon, with crimson eyes and a spiked mace.]

"They're somewhere around here," Lucas shouted. "Kaleidomon now."

"Daumon," Jason called.

Kaleidomon and Daumon digivolved into their champion forms. Marlmon landed at the shoreline using his Dynamic Thunder on MegaSeadramon. MegaSeadramon matched the lightning attack with his. The two increased their power locked in the force struggle.

Swigmon turned attacking Berserkmon with his Zephyr Slash. Berserkmon effortlessly parried the attack. Swigmon spun attacking again, Berserkmon pulled out a second mace parrying one more.

Jose turned to Toromon. "Vaya."

Toromon snorted and charged at Berserkmon. Digging in for a firm stance, his horns illuminating at the tips. "Horn Blaster," he fired twin beams striking Berserkmon in the side and off his feet. Swigmon followed up by disarming the beastly warrior. Berserkmon stood as the two digimon surrounded him. "Give it up. You cannot win."

Berserkmon laughed striking out with his fists. Swigmon eluded the attack and Toromon charge hitting ramming Berserkmon from behind. Swigmon struck with his Cyclone Crusher, as Toromon used his Rampage Rush. Both attacks hitting Berserkmon at the same time. The evil digimon cried out in pain as his data dissolved.

Meanwhile Marlmon was struggling to hold back MegaSeadramon's attack. Kana glanced over at Gatomon nodding to her. [You know how the change goes for this one] Gatomon digivolved into Angewomon. Smiling Angewomon attack with her Celestial Arrow attack. MegaSeadramon stopped his attack dodging the attack.

"Awww, come on," Marlmon panted. "I had him just where he wanted me."

"Obviously," Angewomon smirked dodging MegSeadramon's Mega Ice Blast. Marlmon stepped back taking a breath, then jumped forward using his Voltage Assault. Hitting MegaSeadramon's underbelly. As the giant serpent wailed in pain, Angewomon used her Heaven's Charm to scatter his data.

Jason turned seeing Nick in the distance. "I wasn't expecting you here Nick."

"Well, I brought a new friend with me," he replied.

Jason stepped forward approaching Nick. "This is between us Nick leave them out of it."

"Oh but Catalina wants to have some fun too." Jose snapped at the name. "And since you destroyed our Digimon..."

"Those evil creatures will have a second chance at a better life," Jason took a defensive stance. Then a thought crossed his mind, 'Wait, Nicks Digimon was a Snimon.' Seeing that he'd finally figured it out Nick smiled knowing it was far too late.

"Goodbye Jason," he laughed as his eyes turned to the sky. Jason's eyes followed catching a glimpse as of Snimon coming down on him. He attempted to dodge but couldn't avoid being hit. Snimon's blade missed its intended mark but still ripped flesh. Sinking into and through Jason's left shoulder. Screaming in pain Jason's arm his the ground. Screaming once more he fell to his knees. The pain was maddening. Snimon raised his blades to finish him off.

"No," Marlmon jumped in grabbing by his arm and tossing the bug aside. "Angewomon help Jason." The large twin tailed fox charged up his full power, unleashing it on the insect. Nick turned running off as Snimon dissolved.

Angewomon knelt down beside Jason, her hands shimmering with a soft light. She placed her palms over the blood spurting wound. The slice slowly closed up halting the blood loss. Kana ran over setting Jason's head in her lap.

"Jason," She called to him softly. "Jason open your eyes." The others arrived looking down at their friend. Each concerned about his health.

"Is he going to be alright," May asked looking to Kana. Jose pulled his aside so she wouldn't see the blood.

"Of course he will," Lucas commented looking from May to Kana. "Jason's a fighter. He wouldn't let anything hold him down."

"Come on Jason open your eyes," Kana ignored the group worrying about Jason's condition. "He's getting cold." She turned to the others now. "Get the blankets we need to keep him warm."